The Master 15-Match Fixture List for 2026
The full schedule for the 2026 Championship is now confirmed, featuring a historical shift in the tournament's traditional rhythm. This cycle introduces a 15-match gauntlet that spans five rounds across Europe's most iconic rugby cathedrals.
- Round 1 Opener: France vs Ireland (Thurs, Feb 5, 20:15 GMT)
- Calcutta Cup: Scotland vs England (Round 3, Feb 21, 16:45 GMT)
- The Allianz Debut: England vs Wales at the rebranded Allianz Stadium Twickenham (Round 4, Mar 7, 16:45 GMT)
- Super Saturday: The final three-match finale (Round 5, Mar 14)
You are staring at your group chat, the one that’s been dormant since the last World Cup, knowing that if you don't secure the flights to Rome or Paris now, you'll be the one watching from the back of a crowded pub. The 2026 schedule isn't just a list of games; it's a logistics puzzle that requires a high-energy approach to planning. With the first-ever Thursday night opener, the standard 'Friday-to-Monday' travel template is officially broken. This is the year where the organized social catalyst—the person who actually reads the fixture list—becomes the most valuable member of the friend group.
| Round | Matchup | Date & Time (GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France vs Ireland | Feb 5, 20:15 | Stade de France |
| 1 | Wales vs Scotland | Feb 6, 20:00 | Principality Stadium |
| 1 | Italy vs England | Feb 8, 15:00 | Stadio Olimpico |
| 2 | Ireland vs Italy | Feb 14, 14:15 | Aviva Stadium |
| 2 | England vs France | Feb 14, 16:45 | Allianz Stadium |
| 2 | Scotland vs Wales | Feb 15, 15:00 | Murrayfield |
| 3 | France vs Italy | Feb 20, 20:00 | Stade de France |
| 3 | Scotland vs England | Feb 21, 16:45 | Murrayfield |
| 3 | Wales vs Ireland | Feb 22, 15:00 | Principality Stadium |
| 4 | Ireland vs France | Mar 7, 14:15 | Aviva Stadium |
| 4 | England vs Wales | Mar 7, 16:45 | Allianz Stadium |
| 4 | Italy vs Scotland | Mar 8, 15:00 | Stadio Olimpico |
| 5 | Scotland vs Ireland | Mar 14, 14:15 | Murrayfield |
| 5 | Wales vs France | Mar 14, 16:45 | Principality Stadium |
| 5 | France vs England | Mar 14, 20:00 | Stade de France |
Why the Thursday Start? Decoding the 2026 Logic
The decision to kick off the 2026 tournament on a Thursday night (February 5th) has sent ripples through the rugby community. This isn't just a scheduling quirk; it’s a strategic pivot necessitated by the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, which would otherwise clash with the tournament's broadcast visibility.
### Latest Signals (24h)
- Confirmed: Match venues and kickoff times finalized by the Official Six Nations Committee.
- Signal: Sky Sports reports ITV and BBC will retain shared rights, ensuring terrestrial access across the UK.
- Update: Stadium rebrand for Twickenham to 'Allianz Stadium' is officially integrated into all 2026 ticketing portals.
Psychologically, this shift forces fans into a 'pre-emptive strike' mindset. When traditions change, our cognitive load increases. You aren't just checking a date; you are recalibrating your work-life boundary. A Thursday game in Paris means taking Friday off, or risk the 'Shadow Pain' of missing a generational clash because you were stuck in a mid-week Zoom meeting. By understanding the 'why' behind the Thursday start—the need to avoid the Olympic shadow—you can move from frustration to strategic planning.
Venue Guide: Allianz Stadium and the 2026 Pilgrimage
If you're planning a trip, the 2026 venues offer vastly different experiences. The big news is Twickenham’s evolution into the Allianz Stadium. While the soul of the stadium remains, the commercial rebranding signifies a new era of infrastructure investment.
- Stade de France (Paris): Difficulty Score 9/10. Opening night + Olympic city proximity = book hotels 12 months out.
- Stadio Olimpico (Rome): Difficulty Score 6/10. Always the best 'social' weekend; February weather is often kinder here.
- Allianz Stadium (London): Difficulty Score 7/10. Navigating the rebranding means checking updated transport links and gate entries.
- Aviva & Murrayfield: Difficulty Score 8/10. High demand due to the 'Grand Slam' potential often seen in these mid-tournament rounds.
As the 'organized catalyst,' your job is to manage the group’s expectations. Rome is for the sun and the food; Paris is for the high-stakes drama. London’s new branding might feel corporate, but the atmosphere on a match day against Wales (Round 4) will remain electric. Use this venue breakdown to decide where your budget goes first.
Round-by-Round Navigation: The Championship Path
To win the 2026 Championship, a team needs more than just talent; they need to survive the 'Rest Logic' inherent in this five-round schedule.
Round 1-2: The Momentum Phase Teams like France and Ireland start with a short turnaround. The Thursday-to-Saturday window is punishing. If a team loses their opener in Paris, the pressure on Round 2 at the Aviva is immense. Round 3: The Pivot The Calcutta Cup in Edinburgh is the centerpiece here. For England, visiting Murrayfield in late February is the ultimate test of psychological resilience. Round 4-5: The Championship Deep End Round 4 features the 'heavyweight' matchups, including Ireland vs France. By the time we reach Super Saturday on March 14th, the table often comes down to the final match in Paris. Planning your viewing parties around these 'pivot' rounds ensures you don't burn out by Round 3.Broadcast Map: How to Watch Six Nations 2026
For those not traveling, the 2026 TV map remains fan-friendly. BBC and ITV have confirmed their split, maintaining the free-to-air tradition that makes the Six Nations unique.
- ITV1 / STV: Typically handles the home matches for England, Ireland, and Italy.
- BBC One / iPlayer: Generally focuses on Scotland and Wales home fixtures.
- S4C: Provides dedicated Welsh-language coverage for all Wales matches.
Because the 2026 tournament features more night games (Thursday and Friday slots), the 'pub-to-home' transition is tighter. Ensure your streaming apps are updated and your 4G/5G data is ready if you're catching the second half on a train home from work. The 'how to watch' job-to-be-done is simple: BBC and ITV have you covered, but the kickoff times are the real variables you need to track.
The Organized Catalyst’s Playbook for 2026
We’ve discussed the dates, but the 'Ego Pleasure' comes from being the person who didn't let their friends miss out. The fear of missing the ticket ballot or realizing a hotel is £400 a night is real.
To move from passive dates-checking to active experience-planning, follow this 3-step protocol: 1. Sync your calendar: Don't rely on memory for a Thursday kickoff. 2. The 14-Day Rule: Book your 'Super Saturday' table at least 14 days in advance. 3. The Travel Buffer: For the 2026 season, always build in an extra day of travel around the French fixtures due to the high-demand Olympic-adjacent scheduling.
By taking control of these fixtures now, you aren't just booking a seat; you are securing a memory. The Six Nations 2026 fixtures are a framework for connection—make sure you're the one leading the way.
FAQ
1. When does the 2026 Six Nations start?
The 2026 Six Nations kicks off on Thursday, February 5th, with a blockbuster match between France and Ireland at the Stade de France. This unusual Thursday night start is a departure from the traditional Friday or Saturday openers.
2. Why is France vs Ireland on a Thursday in 2026?
France vs Ireland is on a Thursday in 2026 to avoid a direct scheduling conflict with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This shift ensures the match receives maximum global broadcast visibility and prime-time coverage.
3. What is the date of the 2026 Calcutta Cup?
The 2026 Calcutta Cup between Scotland and England will take place during Round 3 on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 16:45 GMT at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
4. Where is the England vs Wales 2026 match being played?
England will play Wales in the 2026 Six Nations at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham. The match is scheduled for Round 4 on Saturday, March 7th, with a 16:45 GMT kickoff.
5. What are the 2026 Six Nations kickoff times?
The 2026 Six Nations kickoff times generally fall into three slots: 14:15, 16:45, and 20:00/20:15 GMT. The Thursday and Friday night games start at 20:00 or 20:15 GMT to accommodate evening viewers.
6. How many Friday night games are in the 2026 Six Nations?
There are two scheduled Friday night games in the 2026 Championship. These are Wales vs Scotland in Round 1 (Feb 6) and France vs Italy in Round 3 (Feb 20).
7. Which channel is showing Six Nations 2026 in the UK?
In the UK, the 2026 Six Nations will be broadcast through a shared partnership between BBC and ITV. All 15 matches will be available free-to-air, with S4C providing Welsh-language coverage.
8. Are 2026 Six Nations tickets on sale yet?
Tickets for the 2026 Six Nations usually go on sale through official union portals (RFU, IRFU, WRU, etc.) approximately 6-10 months before the tournament. Fans should join official supporters' clubs now for early access.
9. What is the full schedule for Ireland Six Nations 2026?
Ireland opens against France (Feb 5), followed by Italy (Feb 14), Wales (Feb 22), France (Mar 7), and finally Scotland on Super Saturday (Mar 14).
10. Which stadiums are hosting the 2026 Six Nations?
The 2026 stadiums are the Stade de France (Paris), Principality Stadium (Cardiff), Stadio Olimpico (Rome), Aviva Stadium (Dublin), Murrayfield (Edinburgh), and Allianz Stadium (London).
11. Will Twickenham be called Allianz Stadium in 2026?
Yes, Twickenham Stadium will be officially known as Allianz Stadium during the 2026 Six Nations following a landmark naming rights agreement between the RFU and the insurance giant.
12. When is the final round of the 2026 Six Nations?
The final round, known as Super Saturday, will take place on March 14, 2026. It features three consecutive matches: Scotland vs Ireland, Wales vs France, and France vs England.
References
sixnationsrugby.com — Official Six Nations Rugby Fixtures 2026
bbc.com — BBC Sport: Six Nations 2026 Fixture Logic
skysports.com — Sky Sports: Six Nations 2026 Schedule & Dates